Strip briquet breaker

ABSTRACT

A briquetting and compacting construction wherein material is fed between opposed forming means such as briquetting rolls and is thereby formed into continuous lengths. Engaging surfaces, preferably attached to vibrating means, are interposed in the path of movement of the continuous lengths of material whereby the lengths are divided into separate pieces. The vibrating means may be connected to a deflecting shoe which engages the formed lengths or to a plate to which the lengths are directed to achieve the dividing action. A vibrating conveyor may be employed for conveying the separate lengths away from the forming area of the construction, and the shoe or plate structures which provide the engaging surfaces for the compacted lengths may be supported by the conveyor whereby vibrations will be imparted by the conveyor to the engaging surfaces.

United States Patent 1191 Harris et al.

llll 3,840,351

[ *Oct. v8, 1974 STRIP BRIQUET BREAKER 1 Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Jan. 30, 1990, has been disclaimed.

[22] Filed: Apr. 10, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 242,596

44/31; 425/308, 363; 75/44; 100/DIG. 6

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,479,757 l/l924 Trent 1,667,235 4/1928 Beatti 2,297,244 9/1942 Pfahl.....

3,713,763 l/l973 Harris 44/13 X Primary Examiner-C. F. Dees Attorney, Agent, or FirmMcDougall, Hersh & Scott 57 ABSTRACT A briquetting and compacting construction wherein material is fed between opposed forming means such as briquetting rolls and is thereby formed into continuous lengths. Engaging surfaces, preferably attached to vibrating means, are interposed in the path of movement of the continuous lengths of material whereby the lengths are divided into separate pieces. The vibrating means may be connected to a deflecting shoe which engages the formed lengths or to a plate to which the lengths are directed to achieve the dividing action. A vibrating conveyor may be employed for conveying the separate lengths away from the forming area of the construction, and the shoe or plate structures which provide the engaging surfaces for the compacted lengths may be supported by the conveyor whereby vibrations will be imparted by the conveyor to the engaging surfaces.

13 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDUCI 8 I974 SHEET 30F 3 all/Vl/A/l STRIP BRIQUET BREAKER This invention relates to material compacting constructions, for example, briquetting machines. The invention is primarily directed to a breaker apparatus which is used in conjunction with the compacting means for purposes of separating compacted material into individual pieces.

In typical compacting constructions, briquetting rolls or the like define opposed pockets or other compacting surfaces, with the material being compacted being pressed into a configuration having the contour of the surfaces. For example, briquets may be formed from opposing rolls each having pockets over substantially their entire area whereby the resulting briquets will have contours on both sides. Other roll designs provide substantially flat surfaces on one roll in opposing relationship with pockets on the other roll whereby the resulting briquets will be contoured on one side and flat on the other. In either of these arrangements, a single row or strip of briquets may be formed or several rows in side-by-side relationship may be formed simultaneously whereby a sheet of briquets will be produced.

As the compacted material issues from the briquetting structure, means are preferably provided for separating the compacted material into individual briquets. Breaker means, for example as described in Rohaus U.S. Pat. No. 3,300,815, include hammers or other arrangements for separating the compacted product in more or less random fashion. The breaking operation is primarily necessary to facilitate handling of the briquets, for example when charging a furnace with the briquetted product.

Problems have resulted in prior art breaker constructions largely because of the conditions under which briquetting operations are carried out. Many such operations result in the creation of large amounts of dust and other contaminants which lead to maintenance problems where the breaker structures employ moving parts. The briquetting operations are also usually carried out at elevated temperatures, and, therefore, lubrication of mechanisms and thermal expansion problems become prevalent.

In Harris applications Ser. No. 103,612, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,683, and Ser. No. 107,333, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,713,764, briquet breaker arrangements designed to overcome certain difficulties encountered by the prior art are described. It is the general object of this invention to provide still further improvements in breaker constructions for use in conjunction with compacting equipment.

It is a more specific object of thisinvention to provide a breaker construction employed in conjunction with briquetting means and other compacting means of the type which form briquets and the like in continuous strips or sheets, the breaker construction being extremely efficient in construction and operatiion whereby compacted and divided pieces can be readily obtained.

These and other objects of this invention will appear I hereinafter, and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a briquetting apparatus of the type suitable for use in conjunction with constructions of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly in section, illustrating one form of breaker means characterized by the features of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 4; and,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of a modified form of breaker constructions characterized by the features of the invention. I

This invention general? relates to a briquetting or other compacting construction wherein material is fed between opposed forming means, is thereby formed into a continuous length of compacted material, and is thereafter moved out of the compacting area. The invention is particularly concerned with means for breaking the compacted material into separate pieces whereby the material can be more efficiently handled.

The breaker means of the invention particularly consists of a shoe or plate structure defining an engaging surface for lengths of compacted material issuing from the forming means. Where a shoe structure is employed, this structure preferably defines a deflecting surface so that the lengths of compacted material will be moved out of their normal path of movement. The

concepts of the inventioninclude the use of vibrating means associated with engaging surfaces, and such vibrating means may be attached to a shoe structure having a deflecting surface as described. The design of the shoe structure, combined with the vibrating features will provide fracture of the lengths of material to divide the material into separate pieces. In the case of a strip of briquets, the separate pieces may comprise a plurality of briquets from which individual briquets may also be separated.

The invention also contemplates theus'e of an engaging surface defined by a plate interposed in the path of movement of lengths of compacted material. Where a deflecting shoe is employed, the deflecting surface thereof will drive the compacted lengths into the engaging surface to achieve the desired fracture. Where vibrating means are utilized, the vibrating means may be connected to support means for the plate, this combination significantly enhancing the breaker capabilities.

In one preferred form of the invention, a plate defining an engaging surface is mounted directly on a conveyor structure. This conveyor structure is utilized for moving piecesof compacted'material away from the compacting area to suitable collection means. By employing a vibrating conveyor and by mounting the plate directly on the conveyor, the breaker function can be accomplished in a highly efficient manner.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a breaker is associated with a briquetting apparatus generally designated by the numeral 10. This apparatus includes briquetting rolls l2 and 14 which are driven by means of a press-drive motor 16. The drive motor is connected to the rolls through a chain and wheel mechanism 18, speed reducer assembly 20 and roll couplings 22 and 24. I

The-material to be compacted is located in a hopper 26, and fed to the compacting rolls by means of a screw feed mechanism 28. This mechanism is driven by means of a hydraulic motor 30 connected to the screw by means of drive coupling 32 and drive support 34. A motor 36 is connected to hydraulic pump 38 to provide for operation of the feeder drive motor 30.

The output of the briquetting rolls l2 and 14 is delivered to a conveyor trough 40 having a horizontally extending bed 42. The drive motor 44 is provided for eccentrically mounted vibrating drive mechanism 46 which is connected to the conveyor 40. Mounts 48 are provided for supporting the conveyor bed in a conventional fashion.

A breaker structure, particularly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, may be associated with the briquetting apparatus described. As shown in FIG. 4, the briquetting rolls 12 and 14 define pockets l6 and 18, respectively, which results in the formation of a strip of compacted briquets. In the manner shown, for example in the aforementioned Harris application Ser. No. 107,333, the briquets may be produced in sheet form with a plurality of rows being located side-by-side.

A shoe structure 50 is positioned immediately adjacent the nip of the briquetting rolls whereby the product issuing from between the rolls moves into engagement with the surface 52 of the shoe. As shown, this suface serves to deflect the briquetted product whereby the product is moved laterally relative to the'path of movement from between the rolls. The shoe 50 is formed by means of a curved plate which is attached to side supports 54 by means of bolts 56 and 58. These side supports straddle sides of the briquetting roll 12, and they may be connected to the surrounding portions of the briquetting apparatus.

A plate member 60 defining a separate engaging surface 62 for the briquetted product is employed in theillustrated arrangement. This plate is located whereby the deflecting surface 52 will drive the briquetting product into contact with the plate.

Apair of upstanding supports 64 are employed for mounting the plate 60 on the vibrating conveyor 40. These supports are attached to the conveyor by means of bolts 66. The supports include inwardly extending wing portions 68 which provide means for attaching the plate 60 through the use of bolts 70. A right angle member 72 defining a flange 74 is attached to the plate by means of bolts 76.

As noted, the conveyor 40 is a vibrating conveyor and, accordingly, vibrations in a substantially horizontal plane will be imparted by the conveyor to the engaging surface of the plate 60. As a result of these vibrations, and due to the combination of the deflecting shoe, and engaging surface 62, the briquets are fractured whereby separate pieces of the compacted lengths are formed and delivered to the conveyor 40. The flange 74 may optionally be provided to serve as an additional engaging means to insure fracture'of the briquetted lengths.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative form of the invention wherein a shoe 126 of the general type illustrated in Harris application Ser. No. 107,333 is employed as the deflecting means for the briquetted product. In accordance with this invention, the shoe is supported by means of a vibrating coupling structure 128 connected to a drive motor (not shown). This arrangement may impart vertical reciprocation to the shoe 126 whereby fracture of the lengths can be accomplished directly by the shoe. in the alternative, the compacted product may be directed toward a plate 120 defining an engaging surface as previously described. The support 118 for the plate may be mounted to stationary portions of the surrounding apparatus or the plate may have a vibrating mount, for example, a connection with a vibrat- 4 ing conveyor. In the event that the plate 120 does vibrate, the vibrating action of the shoe 126 may be dispensed with.

The shoe or guide member 130 described in the last mentioned Harris application, may be eliminated particularly where the mount 118 for the plate 120 is connected to vibrating means. With respect to the shoe member 126, the spacing between the face 132 of this member and the periphery 134 of the roll 12 is not critical. This spacing must, of course, be controlled to accommodate the amplitude of vibrations which may be imparted to the shoe member. The location of the tip portion 136 of the shoe member is also not critical, and

may be lowered for convenience when the vibrating features of the invention are utilized.

It will be understood that with respect to all variations of the invention described, the vibrating means may be independent of a conveyor structure or any other structure included in the apparatus. Vibrations in both a substantially horizontal and asubstantially vertical direction have been referred to, and combinations of vibrational movement in these directions are also contemplated. Where a shaker conveyor is employed, the magnitude of the vibrations may be consistent with conventional amplitudes employed insuch conveyors; however, variations are clearly contemplated, for exampleto accommodate different types of compacted material. Although the use of vibrating means represents an important aspect of the invention, it is under stood that the structural arrangements described can also be used when held stationary.

Other variations in the specific description described are also clearly feasible. Variations in the positions of the engaging plate and shoe deflecting means can, for example, be made depending upon the type of material being compacted, the size and shape of the compacted product, the speed of the compacting operation, the vibration amplitude and frequency, and the size of separate compacted pieces desired. 1

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described construction which provide the characteristics of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

That which is claimed is: v

1. In briquetting and compacting constructions wherein material is fed between opposed forming means and is thereby formed into lengths of compacted material, said lengths issuing from an outlet defined by the forming means, and including means for dividing said lengths into separate pieces, the improvement in said dividing means comprising a shoe positioned immediately adjacent said outlet, a surface portion defined by'said shoe located in the path of movement of said lengths, engagement of a length with said surface portion operating to deflect said length out of said path of movement, and including a separate engaging surface, the deflection imparted to said lengths by said surface portion driving said lengths against said engaging surface whereby said lengths fracture resulting in the division of the lengthsinto separate pieces, said separate engaging surface comprising a plate, a support for said plate, and means for imparting vibrations to said support and associated plate whereby said lengths are driven against a vibrating surface.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidseparate engaging surface comprises a plate secured to supporting structures for said forming means.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said forming means comprise briquetting rolls, said surface portion having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally relative to the path of movement of the lengths issuing from the briquetting rolls, the separate engaging surface of said plate being positioned substantially parallel to said path of movement.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forming means comprise briquetting rolls, said sur face portion having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally relative to the path of movement of the lengths issuing from the briquetting rolls, the separate engaging surface of said plate being positioned substantially parallel to said path of movement.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said path of movement of said lengths extends vertically downwardly from between the briquetting rolls, a

vibrating conveyor for conveying said separate pieces away from the briquetting area of the construction, and including means for attaching said plate to said vibrating conveyor whereby vibrations are imparted to the plate by means of said conveyor.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein the bed of said conveyor is located in a substantially horizontal plane, and wherein the vibrations imparted to the plate by the conveyor move the plate in a horizontal direction.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 5 including a substantially horizontally extending flange connected at the bottom of said plate, and wherein said lengths engage said flange prior to movement to the conveyor.

8. In briquetting and compacting constructions wherein material is fed between opposed forming means and is thereby formed into lengths of compacted material, said lengths issuing from an outlet defined by the forming means, and including means for dividing said lengths into separate pieces, the improvement in said dividing means comprising an engaging surface positioned adjacent said outlet, said engaging surface being located in the path of movement of said lengths, vibrating means connected to said engaging surface for imparting vibratory movement thereto, engagement of said lengths with thevibrating surface resulting in fracture of the lengths whereby the lengths are divided into said separate pieces.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 includ ing a shoe element positioned adjacent said outlet, said engaging surface comprising a portion of said shoe element with said vibrating means being connected to said shoe element, the engaging surface defined by the shoe element having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally with respect to the path of move ment of the lengths as they issue from said outlet.

10. A construction in accordance with claim 9 including a' separate engaging surface positioned in the path of movement of said lengths after deflection by said shoe element.

11. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said engaging surface comprisesa plate member, said lengths fracturing to form said separate pieces upon engagement with said plate member, said vibrating means being connected to said plate member.

12. A construction in accordance with claim 11 including a vibrating conveyor for conveying said separate pieces away from said forming means, and wherein said plate is attached to saidvibrating conveyor whereby said vibrations are imparted to the plate through the vibrating conveyor.

13. A construction in accordance with claim 11 including a shoe positioned adjacent said outlet, said shoe defining a deflecting surface for engagement by said lengths, the configuration of said deflecting surface being such that said lengths-'are-directed against said plate. 

1. IN BRIQUETTING AND COMPACTING CONSTRUCTIONS WHEREIN MATERIAL IS FED BETWEEN OPPOSED FORMING MEANS AND IS THEREBY FORMED INTO LENGTHS OF COMPACTED MATERIAL, SAID LENGTHS ISSUING FROM AN OUTLET DEFINED BY THE FORMING MEANS, AND INCLUDING MEANS FOR DIVIDING SAID LENGTHS INTO SEPARATE PIRCES IMPROVEMENT IN SAID DIVIDING MEANS COMPRISING A SHOE POSITIONED IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT SAID OUTLET, A SURFACE PORTION DEFINED BY SAID SHOE LOCATED IN THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAID LENGTHS, ENGAGEMENT OF A LENGTH WITH SAID SURFACE PORTION OPERATING TO DEFLECT SAID LENGTH OUT OF SAID PATH OF MOVEMENT, AND INCLUDING A SEPARATE ENGAGING SURFACE, THE DEFLECTION IMPARTED TO SAID LENGTHS BY SAID SURFACE PORTION DRIVING SAID LENGTHS AGAINST SAID ENGAGING SURFACE WHEREBY SAID LENGTHS FRACTURE RESULTING IN THE DIVISION OF THE LENGHTS INTO SEPARATE PIECES, SAID SEPARATE ENGAGING SURFACE COMPRISING A PLATE, A SUPPORT FOR SAID PLATE, AND MEANS FOR IMPARTING VIBRATIONS TO SAID SUPPORT AND ASSOCIATED PLATE WHEREBY SAID LENGTHS ARE DRIVEN AGAINST A VIBRATING SURFACE.
 2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said separate engaging surface comprises a plate secured to supporting structures for said forming means.
 3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said forming means comprise briquetting rolls, said surface portion having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally relative to the path of movement of the lengths issuing from the briquetting rolls, the separate engaging surface of said plate being positioned substantially parallel to said path of movement.
 4. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said forming means comprise briquetting rolls, said surface portion having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally relative to the path of movement of the lengths issuing from the briquetting rolls, the separate engaging surface of said plate being positioned substantially parallel to said path of movement.
 5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said path of movement of said lengths exTends vertically downwardly from between the briquetting rolls, a vibrating conveyor for conveying said separate pieces away from the briquetting area of the construction, and including means for attaching said plate to said vibrating conveyor whereby vibrations are imparted to the plate by means of said conveyor.
 6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein the bed of said conveyor is located in a substantially horizontal plane, and wherein the vibrations imparted to the plate by the conveyor move the plate in a horizontal direction.
 7. A construction in accordance with claim 5 including a substantially horizontally extending flange connected at the bottom of said plate, and wherein said lengths engage said flange prior to movement to the conveyor.
 8. In briquetting and compacting constructions wherein material is fed between opposed forming means and is thereby formed into lengths of compacted material, said lengths issuing from an outlet defined by the forming means, and including means for dividing said lengths into separate pieces, the improvement in said dividing means comprising an engaging surface positioned adjacent said outlet, said engaging surface being located in the path of movement of said lengths, vibrating means connected to said engaging surface for imparting vibratory movement thereto, engagement of said lengths with the vibrating surface resulting in fracture of the lengths whereby the lengths are divided into said separate pieces.
 9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 including a shoe element positioned adjacent said outlet, said engaging surface comprising a portion of said shoe element with said vibrating means being connected to said shoe element, the engaging surface defined by the shoe element having a configuration such that said lengths are deflected laterally with respect to the path of movement of the lengths as they issue from said outlet.
 10. A construction in accordance with claim 9 including a separate engaging surface positioned in the path of movement of said lengths after deflection by said shoe element.
 11. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said engaging surface comprises a plate member, said lengths fracturing to form said separate pieces upon engagement with said plate member, said vibrating means being connected to said plate member.
 12. A construction in accordance with claim 11 including a vibrating conveyor for conveying said separate pieces away from said forming means, and wherein said plate is attached to said vibrating conveyor whereby said vibrations are imparted to the plate through the vibrating conveyor.
 13. A construction in accordance with claim 11 including a shoe positioned adjacent said outlet, said shoe defining a deflecting surface for engagement by said lengths, the configuration of said deflecting surface being such that said lengths are directed against said plate. 